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Driver in armed robbery killed in police chase from Avondale to SE Phoenix; 2 in custody

Officers killed one suspect in an armed robbery of a credit union who led Avondale and Phoenix police on a miles-long chase that ended with shots fired near Interstate 10 and Baseline Road in Tempe, authorities said.

Avondale police followed the vehicle onto Interstate 10 east until it reached Phoenix city limits, and Phoenix officers then took over the pursuit at 91st Avenue and I-10, police said.

The chase continued for about 45 minutes and almost 30 miles. While police were following the vehicle, two men got out and fled on foot, Howard said. Both men were taken into custody, one by Phoenix police officers and one with the help of a Maricopa County Sheriff's Office canine unit, Howard said.

Bystander Yosiel Beltran saw the conclusion of a police chase that started after an armed robbery at an Avondale credit union and ended in gunfire near Interstate 10 and Baseline Road in Tempe. Nick Oza/azcentral.com

Officers in the Phoenix special-assignments unit maneuvered the Chevrolet SUV to a stop near Baseline Road and Interstate 10, where it appeared Del Rio was going to try to get back on the freeway. Howard said officers fired shots, and Del Rio was killed.

The area near I-10 and Baseline was expected to be restricted for several hours, Howard said.

The westbound exit ramp off I-10 at Baseline was restricted to eastbound traffic only. The eastbound exit ramp was closed for police activity, according to the Arizona Department of Transportation.

Phoenix and Avondale police, the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office and the FBI were continuing their investigation Tuesday afternoon.